Smoke and Mirrors at Cotogna in San Francisco

It's been a while since I've been to Cotogna. I'm so glad there was a last minute opening for brunch a few weekends ago. I decided to indulge a little bit for brunch and ordered the fried chicken and biscuits for my meal. However for my brunch cocktail, I had a tough time deciding what to drink. Should I order the Blackberry Fix with my choice of vodka/gin/rye? Or should I just start the party early with the Smoke and Mirrors with mezcal, grapefruit and chili. It was probably the first time in a while that I had to ask the server to come back for my cocktail order. When he returned I still didn't know so I blurted out the Smoke and Mirrors. I'm so glad I did. The smoky and spicy bite woke up not only my taste buds but me too.

The Drink - Smoke and Mirrors, $12

Mezcal, Gran Classico, grapefruit, chili

The Place - Cotogna
San Francisco, Jackson Square
Italian
Weekday lunch, dinner nightly, weekend brunch, full bar
http://www.cotognasf.com/

Other Cotogna drinks
Strait Breeze
Vodoo Child
Viceroy
Valentino
All Summer Long
La Capilla
Crystal Beach
Spezzatura
Chattanoga Girl
Calypso

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Revolucion at Coqueta in San Francisco

There's a revolution happening on the San Francisco waterfront and it's from the tasty cuisine and cocktail offerings at Michael Chiarello's Coqueta. I specifically asked for a recommendation on a savory cocktail. The server recommended the Revolucion, from the Spanish Gin and Tonic section of the menu. I even asked with the passion fruit, are you sure? The reassured me so I went ahead an ordered it. For me it was definitely more on the sweeter side than the savory. But I still loved this unique cocktail.

The drink - Revolucion, $12
St. George Dry Rye Gin, Anise Tonic, Del Maguey Mezcal Vida, Pedro Ximenez, passion fruit

The Place - Coqueta
San Francisco, Embarcadero
Spanish restaurant
Daily lunch and dinner

http://www.coquetasf.com/

Other Coqueta drinks
Barca Gintonic
Spanish Golden Ale
The Sun Never Sets

Other pictures from this visit

 Fresh from the market Piquillo peppers

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The Valley at S+R Lounge in San Francisco

I just love when friends text you and ask "Are you available to have a drink? If so, you pick the place."

So decided to check out the newly opened S+R Lounge (short for Salvage and Rescue) in the Hotel Zetta in San Francisco's SOMA neighborhood. Their cocktail menu has 2 sections, Rescue and Remedies. With mezcal and pineapple, I enjoyed a spicy Valley Cocktail from the Remedies section of the menu. It reminded me of other mezcal/pineapple/chili drinks made at other places. I asked the bartender what's the difference between the Rescue and the Remedies section. She responded, "Good question. Think of Remedies as cures for hangovers and Rescues with the digestifs in them to help with digestion." I've had hangovers where I wish I could be rescued too. 

The Drink - The Valley, $11
Mezcal, pineapple, lime, chili

The Place - S+R Lounge
San Francisco, South of Market (SOMA)
Hotel Lobby bar
Snacks and full bar, open 4pm daily
http://www.viceroyhotelgroup.com/zetta/dining_and_nightlife/salvage-rescue-lounge

Tip - You can head here for pre or post Cavalier (restaurant next door) dinner drinks. Or for some fun on the second floor with games like pool and soccer ball plinko.

Other pictures from the visit

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Oro Sol at La Folie Lounge in San Francisco

I stopped by La Boulange in Russian Hill to grab an iced latte after a meeting. On my way out, I saw that La Folie Lounge was already open. So with caffeine in hand, I went in to see what's new on the cocktail menu. I haven't been to La Folie lounge in almost a year. Like all my previous visits, this one did not disappoint. Since it was a warm summer day, I knew that I wanted something light and refreshing. When I saw the Oro Sol (Gold Sun) on the menu with tequila and mezcal, I knew it was meant to be. This light smoky drink seemed even more satisfying with an outdoor seat.

The Drink - Oro Sol, $12
Arette Tequila, Mezcal, Yellow Chartreuse, Citroncello, thyme, egg white

The Place - La Folie Lounge
San Francisco, Russian Hill
Lounge
Open daily 5pm to closing
http://www.lafolie.com/

Other pictures from the visit

Fresh ingredients

Perfect afternoon cocktails with sun, seat outside and a pick me up ice coffee from La Boulange next door

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The Lost Monk at Locanda in San Francisco

Whenever I see mezcal or tequila on a cocktail menu, 95% of the time, I will order that drink. And with the name like The Lost Monk, the odd's increase to 100%. I just loved this cocktail's smoky flavor and heat. If you are lost, will you find your way this drink, with a monk by your side? I wasn't lost, but I definitely felt a lot wiser after this cocktail. Beware, a few a these and you may find yourself wandering the streets of Mission District.

The Drink - The Lost Monk, $10
Mezcal, lime, yellow chartreuse, cucumber, chile

The Place - Locanda
San Francisco, Mission District
Restaurant, Italian
Dinner daily, full bar
www.locandasf.com

Other Locanda cocktails
Venetian Coast
Piedmonte Punch
Vacanza Romana

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Port of Spain at Beretta in San Francisco

I recently read that orgeat was one of the trends in San Francisco cocktails. I definitely agree with that. More and more cocktail menus include at least one cocktail with orgeat. Frequent readers of the blog, should know that I love mezcal. So when I saw the Port of Spain with mezcal on Beretta's menu, I ordered it right away. The orgeat, a syrup made of almond, sugar and orange/rose water, was a bonus. Mmm...Mmm...Mmm...I just need some Caribbean tunes to complete the escape.

Luckily I found the Beretta recipe online on the Del Maguey website.

The Drink - Port of Spain, $11
Mezcal, lime, orgeat, bitters

Recipe per Del Maguey website by Dominic Alling of Beretta 
1 oz Small Hand Foods Orgeat
1.5 oz Del Maguey Vida Mezcal 
.75 oz Lime Juice
.5 oz Angostura Bitters

Shake all ingredients with ice. Double strain into chilled cocktail glass.

Garnish with a floating lime wheel.

The Place - Beretta
San Francisco, Mission
Restaurant, Italian
Daily dinner, weekend brunch
http://berettasf.com/

Other Beretta drinks
Nuestra Paloma
Single Village Fix 

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Big Night: Act II at Rich Table in San Francisco

Rich Table is located in the Hayes Valley neighborhood of San Francisco. I have to admit, in the last month, I've been there at least 3 times with 3 different friends. It seems to be the place people want to try. Each time I look forward to dining there. When the Big Night cocktail came off the season cocktail menu sometime during the winter, I remember being disappointed. But now it's back, bigger and on the rocks. I'd have to have both cocktails side by side to see if I like Act I or Act II better. I can't wait to see if there's an Act III. In the meantime, I'll enjoy this act while it's on the menu.

The Drink - Big Night: Act II, $11 
Mezcal, Nasturtium, Ginger Meringue, Seltzer

The Place - Rich Table
San Francisco, Hayes Valley
Restaurant
Dinner Wednesday - Monday
www.richtablesf.com

Other Rich Table drinks
Big Night
Let's Go
Whack a Mole
Rich Coffee
Silk Road
Round Heel
Hopalong

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The Lola at Blackbird in San Francisco

Lola is a Spanish form of Dolores. I had just seen my Lola Dolores the day before at her daughter's wedding a few weeks ago and was inspired to order this. I knew of the sexy and strong association with the name Lola. However, I didn't know about the Spanish origin meaning sorrow. This drink definitely has a strong spirit base from both the tequila and mezcal. But is also shows it's sexy side with white tea, King's Ginger and Grapefruit Bitters. This cocktail is definitely not for the weak at heart. This was my last drink of the evening from a Sunday crawl a few weekends ago. So can you guess what song was running through my head on the way to dinner at Kpop. Here's a hint, "Her name was Lola, she was a showgirl".

The Drink - Lola, $9
Altos Plata Tequila, Vida Mezcal, White Tea, King's Ginger, Grapefruit Bitters

The Place - Blackbird
San Francisco, Castro
Full Bar, happy hour, bar jars
Cash only

Other Blackbird drinks
Sumo Wrestler
Kokomo

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Oaxacan Crusta, Burritt Tavern

The Burrit Room is located in the 2nd floor of the Mystic Hotel just a block from Union Square. I had my first Crusta named cocktail a few weeks back at Zero Zero (Meyer Lemon Crusta). So when I saw a Crusta cocktail at Burritt Room, I knew I had to order it. After doing some research on the Crusta style cocktail, I wondered how the Burritt Tavern's would compare. What I missed in the Meyer Lemon Crusta, I found in the Oaxacan Crusta, the citrus lip. With the grapefruit lip perfectly placed, I had no problems drinking from it. Give this smoky cocktail with hints of citrus a try. It's addicting. Beware, with one too many of these, you may not find it easy to drink from the grapefruit lip.

The Drink - Oaxacan Crusta, $12
Mezcal, Apple Brandy, agave syrup, lemon, Price Pomelo Bitters

The Place - Burritt Room and Tavern
San Francisco, Union Square
Daily lunch and dinner, full bar
http://www.charliepalmer.com/Properties/Burritt/


Other Burritt Room Drinks
Without Permission
Poquito Piquante
Vesper Lynd

Other pictures from the visit

Lobster Risotto, $22

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TBD, Mission Bowling Club

Mission Bowling Club is located in the Mission District of San Francisco. There are 6 bowling lanes at their facility and they house a restaurant in the front of the establishment. I've been anxiously waiting for an opening in my schedule to check them out since they opened. I'm so glad that I had an opening this weekend. When I was searching for fried chicken places in San Francisco, I saw that MBC had fried chicken. So besides checking out their cocktails, I was excited about trying their fried chicken and waffles. I didn't have to read any further than the 1st cocktail listed on the menu. From the House Cocktails section, number one of the menu is TBD. With mezcal and a jalapeno jam, how could I not try this cocktail first? My lips were hopping. But not so much that I was downing water between each sip. It gets better, spicier and smokier as you drink. Its the perfect drink to spice up the day. Also, it's a perfect pairing with the fried chicken and waffles (that sit atop a sriracha sauce).

*Note, this is our first picture using my new HTC One. 

The Drink - TBD, $10
Mezcal, dry vermouth, jalapeno jam, lime

The Place - Mission Bowling Club
San Francisco, Mission District
21+ weekdays and after 7pm weekends
Family friendly 11AM to 7PM weekends

Daily dinner and bar bites, weekend brunch, full bar

http://missionbowlingclub.com/

Other pictures from the visit

Fried Chicken and Waffles, $10 (the sriracha is below the waffles)

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La Copa Verde, Padrecito

Padrecito is located in the Cole Valley neighborhood of San Francisco. I've been eagerly waiting for this place to from the Mamacita folks which originally was home to EOS restaurant. Since it's opening, the corner of Cole/Carl has been rejuvenated. When I arrived, I saw servers carrying a good number of green filled glasses. When I sat down, I read through all the cocktails (10, currently on the list). Of course I was drawn to this green glass of mezcal, cilantro and chipotle powder. This smoky slightly spicy green goodness is the perfect way to welcome Spring. I will definitely be returning soon to enjoy more of the cocktail offerings (gin, rye, scothc, vodka, tequila). Have a look at the cocktail menu. I actually want to color it in too.

The Drink - La Copa Verde, $9
Mezcal, cilantro, chipotle powder, lime

The Place - Padrecito
San Francisco, Cole Valley
Mexican restaurant
Dinner Tuesday - Sunday, full bar
http://www.padrecitosf.com/

I love seeing the corner of Cole and Carl busy again. I most especially love seeing the second floor packed again as I remember from the heydey of EOS. From 5:30 to closing, the restaurant and lounge is bustling. It's been hard to walk in to either the restaurant or the bar without a wait (a few time they've said over 90 minutes). If you don't have time to wait, you should definitely make a reservation. 

Other pictures from the visit

 Crispy Calamari Tacos. $9

 Arctic Char Tacos, $11

Chips and Guacamole, $9

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Whack A Mole, Rich Table

Rich Table is located in the Hayes Valley neighborhood of San Francisco. For some reason, Whack A Mole was always my favorite carnival game. So it made sense that I had to order the Rich Table's version. The cayenne pops out at you as you drink. Somehow the increasing heat from the cayenne and the soothing pineapple make you grab the glass and flip your wrist faster to have the next sip. It's just as addicting as the carnival game.

The Drink - Whack A Mole, $10
Mezcal, Yellow Chartreuse, Pineapple and Cayenne

The Place - Rich Table 
San Francisco, Hayes Valley
Dinner Wednesday to Monday nights, full bar
http://richtablesf.com/

Other Rich Table drinks
Big Night
Let's Go
Rich Coffee
Silk Road
Round Heel
Big Night: Act II
Hopalong

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Ready Fire Aim, Employees Only

Employees Only is in the West Village of New York City. I continued my quest on trying several of the Tales of the Cocktail 2012 nominees. As I mentioned in the Lazy Lover entry, the cocktails here have great names and have the quality to live up to the names. For me you can never go wrong with mezcal, pineapple syrup and Hellfire Bitters. I just loved the visual touch of the sprinkle of pink peppercorns.

Seems to be out of order, typically it's ready, aim, fire. Was it the case of naming the drink after one too many of these or perhaps some other inspiration? Whatever the case, beware of one to many of these.

The Drink - Ready Fire Aim, $16
Ilegal Mezcal Joven, fresh lime juice, house-made honey-pineapple sytup with dashes of Bittermans Hellfire Bitters

Recipe as found in: http://thirstyinla.com/2012/08/09/tales-of-the-cocktail-2012-employees-only-at-one-eyed-jacks/
Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 ounces Tequila Don Julio Blanco
• 1/2 ounce Honey Pineapple Syrup
• 1/3 ounce Fresh Lime Juice
• 1/3 ounce Fresh Pineapple Juice
• Pink Peppercorn for Garnish

Preparation:

• Combine Tequila Don Julio Blanco, honey pineapple syrup, fresh lime juice and fresh pineapple juice into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well.
• Pour contents into a rocks glass.
• Garnish with pink peppercorn.

The Place - Employees Only
New York City, West Village
Dinner nightly (late night 3:30am)
http://employeesonlynyc.com/ 

Other Employees Only drinks
Lazy Lover

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The Guillotine, Nopa

Nopa is located in the Nopa (North of the Panhandle) neighborhood of San Francisco. The name and the mezcal drew me to the Guillotine cocktail. MmmMmmMmm, what a bold smokey cocktail to sip the night away. Don't drink too many, otherwise you'll wish for a guillotine the next day. Just love this glass!

The Drink, The Guillotine, $10
Del Maguey Mezcal, Cynar, Dolin Dry Vermouth

The Place - Nopa
San Francisco, Nopa
Dinner nightly, weekend brunch
http://nopasf.com/

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Hot Lips, NOMAD

Nomad is located in The NoMad Hotel which is located in the NoMad (North of Madison) neighborhood of New York City. I had our NY correspondent, Elaine, chose a place for us to finally do some research together. I loved the drink names in the Classics (Morning Glory Fizz, Widow's Kiss), Aperitifs(The Haymarket, Star and Garter), Soft cocktails (non-alcoholic), Light Spirited (Argyle, Elefante) and Dark Spirited (Start me up, Fortune Teller) sections of the cocktail menu. I've had another cocktail called Hot Lips in San Francisco, so I wanted to see how this stacked up. My kind of cocktail, naughty and nice, a bit sweet with underlying smoky heat. We dined in the Atrium. I can't wait to return to try the ambiance in the other rooms.

The Drink - Hot Lips, $15
Jalapeno-infused Blanco Tequila, mezcal, vanilla, pineapple, lemon, cane syrup
From the Light-Spirited section of the menu.

The Place - NoMad
New York City, NoMad
Breakfast, lunch, dinner daily, full bar
http://www.thenomadhotel.com/#/dining/atrium

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South for the Winter, AQ

I've been wanting to try AQ Restaurant in the South of Market (SOMA) neighborhood of San Francisco since it opened in late 2011. I just haven't been able to get one of those coveted reservations. Fortunately I was able to get a reservation the day after Valentine's Day this year. I had a tough time deciding if I should a cocktail from the Seasonal Classics menu or from the Originals menu. I ended up choosing the South for the Winter cocktail since I have a few friends who are heading to warm weather for the long weekend. When I showed a friend a picture of this cocktail, he said that's such a girly drink. I assure you that this drink is anything but girly with Mezcal and Absinthe. I'd head South for Winter anytime with cocktails like this!

The Drink - South for the Winter, $13
Del Maguey Mezcal, Creme de Cassis, Absinthe

The Place
AQ Restaurant
San Francisco, South of Market (SOMA)
http://aq-sf.com/index.html
Dinner Tuesday - Sunday, Sunday brunch, full bar

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Bowery Fix, Saxone + Parole

Saxone and Parole is located in the NoHo (North of Houston) neighborhood of New York City. I must admit for my unexpected 3 day trip to New York, I really had a tough time researching where to go. Since I was not able to attend Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans this year, I figured why not try some of the nominees for the Spirited Awards. Saxone + Parole was nominated for Best Restaurant Bar 2012. Another local favorite of mine, Slanted Door in San Francisco, actually won this year. So I knew I could not go wrong. I loved the restaurant. The cocktails I chose the Bowery Fix because of the spicy chile tincture, tequila and mezcal. I just loved how the spicy chili tincture was dotted across the drink for the visual effect instead of being mixed into the drink. The Bowery Fix was served in a chilled glass which alleviated the effects of a New York hot and humid day.

I wish I had one of my mocktail researchers with me. Their list of non-alcoholic drinks seem so interesting (Bell Pepper Lemonade, Garden Tonic, Bowery Punch, Andy Ricker's Pok Pok Drinking Vinegar, Spiced tea, Cucumber & Thyme Fizz, and Raspberry Shrub).

The Drink - Bowery Fix, $14
Espolon blanco tequila, mezcal, yellow chartreuse, fresh bell pepper and chili, $14

The Place - Saxone + Parole
New York City, Bowery
Daily dinner, weekend brunch, full bar
http://saxonandparole.com/

Other pictures from the visit

 Bread plate

Tomato and Burrata salad

Lights in the dining room

 

Scallops on top of celery root puree

 Pork Chop

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Firecracker Cocktail, Macao Trading Company

Macao Trading Company is Employee's Only's dark sexy Asian/Portuguese restaurant located in the Tribeca neighborhood of New York City. When you take a peak from the street, you can barely see beyond the bar. With so many choices in New York City, it's hard to figure out where to go. My fingers did the walking on my smartphone. I am so glad I found this cocktail kingdom. The Firecracker cocktail bursts with flavors in your mouth. Smokey, slight sweetness, and spicy. One of favorite types of cocktails.

The Drink - Firecracker

Barsol Pisco Italia combined with Homemade Crema de Mezcal, lime and pineapple juices finished with Macao's 5 Spice Bitters.

The Place - Macao Trading Company
New York City, Tribeca
Asian Portuguese fusion
Dinner nightly, late night
http://www.macaonyc.com/

Other Macao Trading Company drinks
Yellow Fever #2
Cicinho Sour

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Big Night, Rich Table

The Rich Table is a lovely new restaurant that recently opened in Hayes Valley in San Francisco. With Zuni and Absinthe closed on a Monday night, I was glad that the Rich Table was open for an unplanned Monday night dinner. With a seasonal menu, there were 4 Market Cocktails on their September 2012 menu. Lucky for me, one of the four spirits featured in a cocktail was mezcal. So I ordered the Big Night. Wow, this is my kind of cocktail. Bold, smoky, savory, gingery, and memorable. A nice surprise was the beautiful pop of green color (clearly from the nasturtium, which is in the watercress family). The nasturtium flower garnish topped off this exquisite cocktail. I am loving all the creativity with cocktails today. First time that I've had nasturtium in a cocktail!

Per previous entries, Rich Table is located in the former home of Paul K, which used to serve one of my favorite Bloody Mary's in the City, Bacon Bloody Mary.

The Drink - Big Night, $10

Del maguey vida mezcal, nasturium and ginger

The Place - Rich Table 
San Francisco, Hayes Valley
Dinner Wednesday to Monday nights, full bar
http://richtablesf.com/

Other Rich Table drinks
Big Night
Let's Go
Whack a Mole
Rich Coffee
Silk Road
Round Heel
Big Night: Act II
Hopalong

A non-flash version of the cocktail

 Corn Fritters, $8

Rigatoni with Oxtail and Burrata, $17

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Specialty Cocktail, Comme Ca

Comme Ca is David Myer's restaurant with a twist on French cuisine in the Cosmopolitan Hotel in Las Vegas. The cocktail program has fun named drinks set in sections by spirit (Gin, Vodka, Rum, Whiskey, and Tequila) and lastly a specialty cocktail by mixologist. Since everything looked good, I asked the server to recommend a cocktail. The server, not surprisingly, mentioned that their cocktail menu tends to be on the sweet side, but the cocktails were all good. She said, "Let me know what you like and our superstar bartender will make something for you. You will not be disappointed." I absolutely loved this herbal cocktail that had both tequila and mezcal. So if you end up at Comme Ca and want to try this out, just let them know the ingredients below and they will make it. The mezcal really shines in this cocktail.

The Drink - Specialty Cocktail, $14
Reposado tequila, mezcal crema, orange, basil, lemon, simple syrup

The Place - Comme Ca
Las Vegas, Cosmopolitan
Dinner nightly, lunch Friday to Sunday, full bar
http://commecarestaurant.com/las-vegas/

Other pictures from the visit

 Burger

 French Dip Au Jus

Chocolate Pot de Creme

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